COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Worthington Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:WOR) reported net sales of $318.8 million and a net loss from continuing operations of $31.5 million, or $(0.64) per diluted share, for its fiscal 2024 fourth quarter ended May 31, 2024. This compares to net sales of $368.8 million and net earnings from continuing operations of $50.1 million, or $1.01 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted net earnings from continuing operations totaled $37.5 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, or $0.74 per diluted share, compared to $59.0 million, or $1.19 per diluted share, in the prior year comparable quarter. Reported results reflect the controlling interest portion of continuing operations and were impacted by certain items, as summarized in the table below. (U.S. dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 4Q 2024     4Q 2023     After-Tax     Per Share     After-Tax     Per Share   Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations $ (31.5 )   $ (0.64 )   $ 50.1     $ 1.01   Corporate costs eliminated at Separation(1)   -       -       8.0       0.16   Impairment and restructuring charges   57.0       1.14       -       -   Separation costs   0.1       -       2.5       0.05   Impairment of investment in notes receivable   11.1       0.22       -       -   Pension settlement charge in equity income   0.8       0.02       -       -   Sale-leaseback gain in equity income   -       -       (1.6 )     (0.03 ) Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations $ 37.5     $ 0.74     $ 59.0     $ 1.19   (1) References in this release to the "Separation" are to the Company's separation of its former steel processing business into Worthington Steel, Inc. on December 1, 2023. Financial highlights, on a continuing operations basis, for the fiscal 2024 periods and prior year comparative periods are as follows: (U.S. dollars in millions, except per share amounts)   4Q 2024     4Q 2023     12M 2024     12M 2023   Net sales $ 318.8     $ 368.8     $ 1,245.7     $ 1,418.5   Operating income (loss)   (56.1 )     15.3       (73.5 )     29.8   Adjusted operating income   5.8       28.6       20.9       77.9   Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations   (31.5 )     50.1       35.2       125.8   Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations   63.2       93.7       251.0       306.0   EPS from continuing operations - diluted   (0.64 )     1.01       0.70       2.55   Adjusted EPS from continuing operations - diluted $ 0.74     $ 1.19     $ 2.84     $ 3.60                                   "We finished our fiscal year with a respectable fourth quarter delivering adjusted earnings per share of $0.74," said Worthington Enterprises President and CEO Andy Rose. "Building Products had a solid quarter benefiting from strong contributions from WAVE and our water business but was offset by lower contributions from ClarkDietrich which faced some margin compression. Consumer Products performed well despite headwinds due to volume being pulled ahead into the previous quarter and some softening in consumer spending. While both segments saw lower volumes, the overall health of the company is good. Our employees continue to deliver, and I could not be more proud of the focus and hard work they carry out every day." Consolidated Quarterly Results Net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 were $318.8 million, a decrease of $50.0 million, or 13.6%, from the prior year quarter, driven primarily by lower volume across all segments. The operating loss of $56.1 million for the fourth quarter was unfavorable to the $15.3 million of operating income in the prior year quarter, due to significantly higher impairment and restructuring charges stemming from the deconsolidation of the former Sustainable Energy Solutions segment, effective May 29, 2024, as discussed below under Recent Business Developments. On an adjusted basis, operating income was $5.8 million, down $22.8 million from the prior year quarter, on lower volumes in Consumer Products combined with increased operating losses in Sustainable Energy Solutions. Equity income decreased $10.9 million from the prior year quarter to $40.4 million, driven by lower contributions from ClarkDietrich which was down $13.8 million from the near record results in the prior year quarter, partially offset by strong contributions from WAVE which increased $3.3 million compared to the prior year quarter. Miscellaneous expense was unfavorable by $11.1 million from the prior year quarter due to the write-down of an investment in a note receivable as a result of a change in business strategy in the Sustainable Energy Solutions business, while net interest expense was favorable $2.6 million over the prior year quarter due to lower average debt levels. Income tax expense was $5.0 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to $13.8 million in the prior year quarter. The decrease was driven by lower pre-tax earnings and discrete items related to the deconsolidation of the Sustainable Energy Solutions business. Tax expense in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 reflects an annual effective rate of 52.6% compared to 21.5% in the prior year. On an adjusted basis, the annual effective tax rate was 23.5% compared to 21.9% in the prior year. Balance Sheet Total debt was $298.1 million at the end of fiscal 2024, down approximately $391.8 million from May 31, 2023, due to the early redemption of the senior unsecured notes set to mature on August 10, 2024, and April 15, 2026, both of which were paid off earlier in the fiscal year. The Company ended the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 with cash of $244.2 million, of which, $83.8 million was used after the quarter ended to fund the remaining purchase price of Hexagon Ragasco, as discussed below under Recent Business Developments. Quarterly Segment Results Consumer Products generated net sales of $125.3 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, down $23.5 million, or 16%, from the prior year quarter on lower volume. Adjusted EBITDA was down $12.5 million to $17.1 million, driven by the impact of lower volume, and to a lesser extent, a $2.4 million increase in SG&A expense due to higher benefit related costs and increased marketing spend. Building Products generated net sales of $153.6 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, down $21.0 million, or 12%, from the prior year quarter due to lower volume and an unfavorable shift in product mix. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $13.1 million from the prior year quarter to $51.6 million on the combined impact of lower contributions of equity income from ClarkDietrich and unfavorable mix. Sustainable Energy Solutions' net sales totaled $39.9 million, down 12.0%, or $5.5 million, from the prior year quarter due to lower average selling prices and lower volume. Adjusted EBITDA was $1.2 million, down $3.1 million from the prior year quarter as lower average selling prices compressed gross profit. During the quarter, the Company sold an interest in the Sustainable Energy Solutions business to Hexagon Composites ASA ("Hexagon"), creating a new unconsolidated joint venture, in which the Company retained a 49% noncontrolling interest, as discussed below under Recent Business Developments. Historical results for Sustainable Energy Solutions are reported as part of Unallocated Corporate and Other, while future results, starting with the first quarter of fiscal 2025, will flow through equity income within Unallocated Corporate and Other. Recent Developments On May 29, 2024, the Company formed a new unconsolidated joint venture with Hexagon, comprised of the former Sustainable Energy Solutions segment. Pursuant to the transaction, Hexagon acquired a 49% stake in the joint venture for approximately $10 million plus closing cash. The Company retained a 49% noncontrolling interest in the joint venture, with the remaining 2% held by the executive management team of Sustainable Energy Solutions. On June 3, 2024, the Company acquired Hexagon Ragasco, a leading manufacturer of composite propane cylinders. The total purchase price was approximately $98 million, subject to closing adjustments, $11.4 million of which was deposited into escrow at fiscal year end. On June 25, 2024, the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.17 per common share payable on September 27, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 13, 2024, a 6.25% increase or $0.01 per share, compared to the prior quarter. Outlook "We are optimistic heading into our new fiscal year having recently completed the acquisition of Hexagon Ragasco along with the formation of our Sustainable Energy Solutions joint venture," Rose said. "We have market leading brands, a rock-solid balance sheet that will enable us to take advantage of growth opportunities as they arise, and a team focused on driving long-term profitable growth for Worthington Enterprises." Upcoming Investor Events Raymond James Industrial and Energy Showcase, August 8, 2024 CG 44th Annual Growth Conference, August 14, 2024 2024 Seaport Research Partners Annual Summer Investor Conference, August 21, 2024 Jefferies Industrials Conference, September 5, 2024 Conference Call The Company will review fiscal 2024 fourth quarter results during its quarterly conference call on June 26, 2024, at 8:30 a.m., Eastern Time. Details regarding the conference call can be found on the Company website at www.WorthingtonEnterprises.com. About Worthington Enterprises Worthington Enterprises (NYSE:WOR) is a designer and manufacturer of market-leading brands that help enable people to live safer, healthier and more expressive lives. The Company operates with two segments: Building Products and Consumer Products. Worthington's emphasis on innovation and transformation extends to building products including heating and cooling solutions, water systems, architectural and acoustical grid ceilings and metal framing and accessories, and consumer products in tools, outdoor living and celebrations categories sold under brand names Coleman®, Bernzomatic®, Balloon Time®, Level5 Tools®, Mag Torch®, Well-X-Trol®, General®, Garden-Weasel®, Pactool International®, HALO™ and Hawkeye™. The Company serves the growing global hydrogen ecosystem through on-board fueling systems and gas containment solutions.Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Worthington Enterprises employs approximately 4,000 people throughout North America and Europe. Founded in 1955 as Worthington Industries, Worthington Enterprises follows a people-first Philosophy with earning money for its shareholders as its first corporate goal. Worthington Enterprises achieves this outcome by empowering its employees to innovate, thrive and grow with leading brands in attractive markets that improve everyday life. The Company engages deeply with local communities where it has operations through volunteer efforts and The Worthington Companies Foundation, participates actively in workforce development programs and reports annually on its corporate citizenship and sustainability efforts. For more information, visit worthingtonenterprises.com. Safe Harbor Statement Selected statements contained in this release constitute "forward-looking statements," as that term is used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). The Company wishes to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions included in the Act. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events. These statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "may," "could," "should," "would," "intend," "plan," "will," "likely," "estimate," "project," "position," "strategy," "target," "aim," "seek," "foresee" and similar words or phrases. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to: future or expected cash positions, liquidity and ability to access financial markets and capital; outlook, strategy or business plans; the anticipated benefits of the separation of the Company's Steel Processing business (the "Separation"); the expected financial and operational performance of, and future opportunities for, the Company following the Separation; the Company's performance on a pro forma basis to illustrate the estimated effects of the Separation on historical periods; the tax treatment of the Separation transaction; future or expected growth, growth potential, forward momentum, performance, competitive position, sales, volumes, cash flows, earnings, margins, balance sheet strengths, debt, financial condition or other financial measures; pricing trends for raw materials and finished goods and the impact of pricing changes; the ability to improve or maintain margins; expected demand or demand trends for the Company or its markets; additions to product lines and opportunities to participate in new markets; expected benefits from transformation and innovation efforts; the ability to improve performance and competitive position at the Company's operations; anticipated working capital needs, capital expenditures and asset sales; anticipated improvements and efficiencies in costs, operations, sales, inventory management, sourcing and the supply chain and the results thereof; projected profitability potential; the ability to make acquisitions and the projected timing, results, benefits, costs, charges and expenditures related to acquisitions, joint ventures, headcount reductions and facility dispositions, shutdowns and consolidations; projected capacity and the alignment of operations with demand; the ability to operate profitably and generate cash in down markets; the ability to capture and maintain market share and to develop or take advantage of future opportunities, customer initiatives, new businesses, new products and new markets; expectations for Company and customer inventories, jobs and orders; expectations for the economy and markets or improvements therein; expectations for generating improving and sustainable earnings, earnings potential, margins or shareholder value; effects of judicial rulings; the ever-changing effects of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic and the various responses of governmental and nongovernmental authorities thereto on economies and markets, and on our customers, counterparties, employees and third-party service providers; and other non-historical matters. Because they are based on beliefs, estimates and assumptions, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Any number of factors could affect actual results, including, without limitation, those that follow: the uncertainty of obtaining regulatory approvals in connection with the Separation, including rulings from the Internal Revenue Service; the Company's ability to successfully realize the anticipated benefits of the Separation; the risks, uncertainties and impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic – the duration, extent and severity of which are impossible to predict, including the possibility of future resurgence in the spread of COVID-19 or variants thereof – and the availability, effectiveness and acceptance of vaccines, and other actual or potential public health emergencies and actions taken by governmental authorities or others in connection therewith; the effect of national, regional and global economic conditions generally and within major product markets, including significant economic disruptions from COVID-19, the actions taken in connection therewith and the implementation of related fiscal stimulus packages; the effect of conditions in national and worldwide financial markets, including inflation, increases in interest rates and economic recession, and with respect to the ability of financial institutions to provide capital; the impact of tariffs, the adoption of trade restrictions affecting the Company's products or suppliers, a United States withdrawal from or significant renegotiation of trade agreements, the occurrence of trade wars, the closing of border crossings, and other changes in trade regulations or relationships; changing oil prices and/or supply; product demand and pricing; changes in product mix, product substitution and market acceptance of the Company's products; volatility or fluctuations in the pricing, quality or availability of raw materials (particularly steel), supplies, transportation, utilities, labor and other items required by operations (especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine); effects of sourcing and supply chain constraints; the outcome of adverse claims experience with respect to workers' compensation, product recalls or product liability, casualty events or other matters; effects of facility closures and the consolidation of operations; the effect of financial difficulties, consolidation and other changes within the steel, automotive, construction and other industries in which the Company participates; failure to maintain appropriate levels of inventories; financial difficulties (including bankruptcy filings) of original equipment manufacturers, end-users and customers, suppliers, joint venture partners and others with whom the Company does business; the ability to realize targeted expense reductions from headcount reductions, facility closures and other cost reduction efforts; the ability to realize cost savings and operational, sales and sourcing improvements and efficiencies, and other expected benefits from transformation initiatives, on a timely basis; the overall success of, and the ability to integrate, newly-acquired businesses and joint ventures, maintain and develop their customers, and achieve synergies and other expected benefits and cost savings therefrom; capacity levels and efficiencies, within facilities, within major product markets and within the industries in which the Company participates as a whole; the effect of disruption in the business of suppliers, customers, facilities and shipping operations due to adverse weather, casualty events, equipment breakdowns, labor shortages, interruption in utility services, civil unrest, international conflicts (especially in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine), terrorist activities or other causes; changes in customer demand, inventories, spending patterns, product choices, and supplier choices; risks associated with doing business internationally, including economic, political and social instability (especially in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine), foreign currency exchange rate exposure and the acceptance of the Company's products in global markets; the ability to improve and maintain processes and business practices to keep pace with the economic, competitive and technological environment; the effect of inflation, interest rate increases and economic recession, which may negatively impact the Company's operations and financial results; deviation of actual results from estimates and/or assumptions used by the Company in the application of its significant accounting policies; the level of imports and import prices in the Company's markets; the impact of environmental laws and regulations or the actions of the United States Environmental Protection Agency or similar regulators which increase costs or limit the Company's ability to use or sell certain products; the impact of increasing environmental, greenhouse gas emission and sustainability regulations and considerations; the impact of judicial rulings and governmental regulations, both in the United States and abroad, including those adopted by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other governmental agencies as contemplated by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010; the effect of healthcare laws in the United States and potential changes for such laws, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may increase the Company's healthcare and other costs and negatively impact the Company's operations and financial results; the effects of tax laws in the United States and potential changes for such laws, which may increase the Company's costs and negatively impact the Company's operations and financial results; cyber security risks; the effects of privacy and information security laws and standards; and other risks described from time to time in the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including those described in "Part I – Item 1A. – Risk Factors" of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2023. Forward-looking statements should be construed in the light of such risks. The Company notes these factors for investors as contemplated by the Act. It is impossible to predict or identify all potential risk factors. Consequently, readers should not consider the foregoing list to be a complete set of all potential risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company does not undertake, and hereby disclaims, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. WORTHINGTON ENTERPRISES, INC.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS)(In thousands, except per share amounts)               Three Months Ended     Twelve Months Ended     May 31,     May 31,     2024     2023     2024     2023   Net sales $ 318,801     $ 368,802     $ 1,245,703     $ 1,418,496   Cost of goods sold   239,802       274,642       960,684       1,094,908   Gross profit   78,999       94,160       285,019       323,588   Selling, general and administrative expense   73,210       75,910       283,471       287,118   Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets   32,975       -       32,975       484   Restructuring and other expense (income), net   28,624       (13 )     29,327       (367 ) Separation costs   240       2,961       12,705       6,534   Operating income (loss)   (56,050 )     15,302       (73,459 )     29,819   Other income (expense):                       Miscellaneous expense, net   (11,145 )     -       (17,129 )     (4,497 ) Loss on extinguishment of debt   -       -       (1,534 )     -   Interest income (expense), net   9       (2,609 )     (1,587 )     (18,298 ) Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates   40,388       51,257       167,716       153,262   Earnings (loss) before income taxes   (26,798 )     63,950       74,007       160,286   Income tax expense   4,986       13,825       39,027       34,535   Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations   (31,784 )     50,125       34,980       125,751   Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations   (265 )     84,038       82,841       143,419   Net earnings (loss)   (32,049 )     134,163       117,821       269,170   Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests   (263 )     4,260       7,197       12,642   Net earnings (loss) attributable to controlling interest $ (31,786 )   $ 129,903     $ 110,624     $ 256,528                           Amounts attributable to controlling interest:                       Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations $ (31,521 )   $ 50,125     $ 35,243     $ 125,751   Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations   (265 )     79,778       75,381       130,777   Net earnings (loss) attributable to controlling interest $ (31,786 )   $ 129,903     $ 110,624     $ 256,528                           Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations - basic $ (0.64 )   $ 1.03     $ 0.72     $ 2.59   Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations - basic   (0.01 )     1.64       1.53       2.69   Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to controlling interest - basic $ (0.65 )   $ 2.67     $ 2.25     $ 5.28                           Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations - diluted $ (0.64 )   $ 1.01     $ 0.70     $ 2.55   Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations - diluted   (0.01 )     1.60       1.50       2.64   Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to controlling interest - diluted $ (0.65 )   $ 2.61     $ 2.20     $ 5.19                           Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic   49,437       48,643       49,195       48,566   Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted   49,437       49,779       50,348       49,386                           Cash dividends declared per share $ 0.16     $ 0.31     $ 0.96     $ 1.24   CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETSWORTHINGTON ENTERPRISES, INC.(In thousands)   May 31,     2024     2023   Assets           Current assets:           Cash and cash equivalents $ 244,225     $ 422,268   Receivables, less allowances of $343 and $803 at May 31, 2024           and May 31, 2023, respectively   199,798       224,863   Inventories           Raw materials   66,040       91,988   Work in process